COVID-19 Variants

Updated 12/14/21, 4:20 p.m.

• Viruses constantly change though mutations, so new forms of viruses are expected. There are currently a number of variants of COVID-19 in the United States and globally. Some COVID-19 variants have been found to be spread more easily and are resistant to treatments and vaccines.
• Currently there are two notable variants in the United States, Delta and Omicron.
• The Omicron variant is the most recent variant of concern and is currently the primary variant in Kansas and Sedgwick County.
• Studies show that the current vaccines are extremely effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death for the current variants.
• Some people can still get COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated. Those who are not vaccinated are the most at risk for the worst outcomes.
• If you test positive for a variant of concern or are a close contact, it is important to isolate or quarantine per guidelines.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant.html